Eucalyptus plants
Eucalyptus are magnificent hardy evergreen shrubs or small trees with distinctive, pale silvery-blue, slightly pointed ovate new foliage on long arching stems, perfect for using in floral arrangements. They have beautiful, textured, flaking bark, giving the appearance of attractive shapes and patterns on the central trunk of mature plants and produce beautiful creamy-white flowers from July to October. Commonly known as Cider Gum or Ironbark, eucalyptus are fast growing and suitable for beginner gardeners, working well as specimen plants or at the back of shrubberies or mixed borders. Eucalyptus prefer a relatively fertile, moist yet free draining, non-alkaline soil, in a position in full sun that’s sheltered from cold winds. Prune in spring to keep your eucalyptus plants to the desired shape and size – they will tolerant hard pruning if you want to rejuvenate and encourage plenty of fresh new growth. Mulch annually with bulky organic matter such as bark or garden compost to help suppress weeds and retain moisture in the first few years after planning and water during dry spells until established.